Posted Sunday, February 6, 2005

Five Delightful Old Town Homes Featured This Weekend in Key West
Don't miss the OIRF February House and Garden Tour

KEY WEST – Key West’s historic charm abounds in the homes featured on a self-guided tour this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11 and 12.

Gingerbread trim, inviting porches, and beautiful gardens are all there for visitors to enjoy on this house and garden tour, sponsored by the Old Island Restoration Foundation. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, these private homes will be open for the event.

The homes have interesting histories. One delightful home in the Meadows was the former residence of the exotic fan dancer Sally Rand. Another, built in 1840, was the home of a prominent merchant, Henry Lowe. The current homeowners have lovingly restored all these homes and have personalized them with the colors they have selected – from subtle neutral tones to bright Caribbean colors -- and collections of art and memorabilia from their interesting lives.

Tour tickets, with maps, can be purchased for $20 at Fast Buck Freddie’s, the Oldest House (Wrecker’s Museum) on Duval Street, TIB Bank on Whitehead St., or any of the featured houses during the tour. Proceeds from the tour are applied toward OIRF’s grants and museum restoration programs. For more information, visit www.oirf.org or call 294-9501 or 9502.